Once grunge-rock god Eddie Vedder recorded a solo album of ukulele songs (2011's creatively titled "Ukulele Songs"), and Zooey Deschanel started uking it up on YouTube, it became clear that Hawaii's musical icon had more than just souvenir status on the mainland. Last summer Vedder picked up two more ukuleles at San Francisco's Aloha Warehouse, but the West holds a wide range of destinations for uke enthusiasts. Here are a few high notes.

1. Kamaka Factory Tour, Honolulu

Samuel K. Kamaka began making ukuleles of native Hawaiian koa in his Kaimuki basement nearly 100 years ago. Today, a fourth Kamaka generation helps craft the company's signature pineapple ukulele and eight other styles at the downtown factory. Small groups can take free, half-hour tours at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday (call ahead to confirm.) 550 South St., (808) 531-3165, www.kamakahawaii.com.

2. IZ's ukulele,

Los Angeles

The late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" deserves much of the credit for the modern fascination with the instrument, which Hawaiians adapted from Portuguese models in the 19th century. One of his ukes - a Kamaka made of koa, natch - has a place of honor in the Grammy Museum's Roots Music gallery. Open 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekends; $12.95. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800, www.grammymuseum.org.

3. Wine Country

Ukulele Festival,

Napa Valley

Hayward just hosted its 18th annual daylong uke fest, but this North Bay upstart also beguiles with free vineyard concerts, a ukulele marketplace, workshops with top artists and winemaker dinners. Plans are still being made for the fifth edition, but expect Judd's Hill Winery to play a part. Known for his love of vintage uke music, vintner Judd Finkelstein often throws hula parties with his band, the Makai Gents. Sept. 7-9, www.winecountryukefest.com.

4. 'Ukulele Source, San Jose

Hawaiian music promoters Smiley and Janet Kai opened this Japantown uke boutique in 2008 as one answer to the burning question overheard at concerts: Where can I buy a ukulele? Beside KoAloha, Kanile'a and Ohana instruments, patrons can pick up instruction books, DVDs and CDs by virtuosos like Daniel Ho, who also holds workshops there. Monthly kani kapila (jam sessions) resume in May. Open Tuesday-Saturday; hours vary. 599 N. Fifth St., (408) 998-2640, www.ukulelesource.com.

5. Ukulele Ike's grave, Los Angeles

Jiminy cricket! Turns out the voice of Disney's Jiminy Cricket came from Ukulele Ike, a.k.a. Cliff Edwards, who gained his nickname playing in St. Louis saloons before finding vaudeville fame. In the late 1920s, he headed to Hollywood, which became his final resting place in 1971. Valhalla Memorial Park, 10621 Victory Blvd., (818) 763-1921, www.pbvalhallamemorialpark.com.